Tag: entertainment

On the most recent episode of Lifetime’s Project Runway, the designers were inspired by young innovative individuals who are making a difference. They created their own textile using HP technology after meeting with the young innovators and learning about their efforts to make a better world.

All I had to do to find someone who inspires me was look at my Twitter feed. I first became aware of Sophia Bush when I watched the TV drama “One Tree Hill.” She played the character of Brooke Davis, a role I enjoyed watching and which led me to learn more about the actress. Sophia recently joined the cast of “Chicago PD.” Sophia consistently earns my respect and admiration for her willingness to stand up for her beliefs, including issues around equality and the environment. One organization with whom she’s been involved and for whom she advocates is Pencils of Promise. Pencils of Promise partners with communities around the globe to build schools, train teachers, provide scholarships, and improve healthcare for children.

It seems many young entertainers lose their way as they deal with success, so it was important to me to convey Sophia’s grace, poise, energy, and enthusiasm in my design, but also her sense of fun.

Since I don’t have Project Runway’s HP technology at my disposal, I had to create my own textile using paint. I chose a coral linen fabric as my canvas for bright colors that convey the light Sophia Bush radiates. I hoped the pattern I painted would show movement.

 

My model for the challenge is DJ, one of the Barbie Basics.

Although the designers weren’t asked to treat their inspiration as their clients–they wouldn’t be wearing their designs–I wanted to design something that I thought would look good on Sophia Bush as well as DJ.

The iridescent beading at the empire waist adds some sparkle.

The dress is short and flares but there’ll be no wardrobe malfunctions because DJ is wearing the right undergarments.

The shoes are by Mattel.

I hope we’ll be seeing Sophia Bush on our televisions for many years, and I’ll see you next time on the runway!

Previous designs this season:

Episode 12:10 Project Runway Superfan
Episode 12:9 Let’s Do Brunch
Episode 12:8 Having a Field Day
Episode 12:7 Shoes First!
Episode 12:6 Let’s Go Glamping!
Episode 12:5 YOU Choose Your Materials!
Episode 12:4 Tie the Knot
Episode 12:3 An Unconventional Coney Island
Episode 12:2 Million Dollar Runway
Episode 12:1 Sky’s The Limit

On the most recent episode of Lifetime’s Project Runway, the show’s biggest fans were the inspiration for the designers. Each designer was paired with a fan and not only made over the fan, but also created a look specifically for her.

Tim Gunn brought me a special fan who was anxious to update her look after…well, let’s just say she’s been “thirty-five” a few times.

Midge has had the same look for years. In an attempt to cover the gray, she uses a red hair color that has grown dull over the years. She also hoped for a more stylish cut.

Midge says she mostly dresses in jeans and sweats because that’s the most practical thing for her in her work. She manages an animal rescue organization in the upper Northwest. She has lots of kennels, dog runs, and cat habitats on her rural property for fostering animals on their way to wellness and forever homes.

What she hoped for was a look that would be bright and casual but attractive while she was meeting potential donors. It also needed to withstand the rainy weather as well as not show dirt or animal hair when she picks up a dog or cat from a shelter or a rescuer while she’s out.

First–Here’s Midge after her makeover, with a fresh bobbed cut and a new lighter hair color that won’t wash out her skin.

For her new look, I began with my signature swing coat, both to dress her up and prepare her for inclement weather.

The coat is fully lined.
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Midge loves bright colors and florals. Even though her outfit is casual, with a simple short-sleeved blouse and a split skirt that’s practical for squatting and bending when caring for animals, having the outfit and the coat in one fabric adds a dressier touch for her meetings–fun but also professional. The fabric can disguise an occasional muddy paw print, as well.

She can keep her sneakers in the car, but it’s a good idea to have a fashionable heel (from Mattel, of course) for dressing up her appearance.

Midge is delighted with her new look. I hope you’ve enjoyed it, too. See you next time on the runway!

Previous designs this season:

Episode 12:9 Let’s Do Brunch
Episode 12:8 Having a Field Day
Episode 12:7 Shoes First!
Episode 12:6 Let’s Go Glamping!
Episode 12:5 YOU Choose Your Materials!
Episode 12:4 Tie the Knot
Episode 12:3 An Unconventional Coney Island
Episode 12:2 Million Dollar Runway
Episode 12:1 Sky’s The Limit

On the most recent episode of Lifetime’s Project Runway, the designers were taken to brunch and then asked to create a vibrant look for a modern Southern woman/Belk shopper. Tim Gunn described her as lovely, civilized, and relaxed. Several of the designers decided to dress their models in plaid, which is on trend but seemed like an odd choice for a Southern woman. I chose Natalie as my model for this challenge, and I envisioned her in a look that could encompass things important to many Southern women: faith, family, and friends. I wanted her dress to take her from church to family brunch to an afternoon social event, perhaps with her sorority sisters.

Fresh and never frumpy.

Closer look at the detail of the gathered neckline. Her jewelry is from the Mattel Birthstone Beauty collection.

The heels are from one of Mattel’s bridal looks.

I cut the fabric in such a way as to give the dress a ruched chevron look in the back.

The complete look:

I hope you think my belle is lovely and ready for a busy but fun day. See you next time on the runway!

Fabric donated by Timothy J. Lambert.

Previous designs this season:

Episode 12:8: Having a Field Day
Episode 12:7: Shoes First!
Episode 12:6: Let’s Go Glamping!
Episode 12:5: YOU Choose Your Materials!
Episode 12:4: Tie the Knot
Episode 12:3: An Unconventional Coney Island
Episode 12:2: Million Dollar Runway
Episode 12:1: Sky’s The Limit

On the most recent episode of Lifetime’s Project Runway, the designers were given a chance to provide free labor to Heidi’s sweat shop create high-end performance-wear for Heidi Klum’s New Balance line. The winning design would be sold at select stores. Fortunately, I didn’t have to compete in field day-type challenges like the designers, but I also didn’t get access to Heidi’s fabrics. With Top Model Abby ready to help me on the runway, I improvised with fabric remnants from previous seasons’ challenges.

I wanted to create an outfit that could be used for all kinds of workout activities.

The loose fitting knit is great for going to and from a workout, or just for power walking as a day’s exercise. Along with the jacket sleeves, the yoke of the pants gives a pop of color and meshes elements of a yoga pant with a harem pant. To take the look from walking/running to gym machines or yoga, the jacket can be removed.

And underneath is a cropped red tank with capped sleeves.

I accessorized with a Mattel for Target scarf to hold back Abby’s hair in style. Of course, the Chucks are also from Mattel.

The complete look:

Heidi wanted to bring the runway to the treadmill–and I think Abby looks just as fashionably sporty leaving as arriving. See you next time on the runway!

Previous designs this season:

Episode 12:7 Shoes First!
Episode 12:6 Let’s Go Glamping!
Episode 12:5: YOU Choose Your Materials!
Episode 12:4: Tie the Knot
Episode 12:3: An Unconventional Coney Island
Episode 12:2: Million Dollar Runway
Episode 12:1: Sky’s The Limit

In this week’s episode of Lifetime’s Project Runway, the designers were allowed special access to Marie Claire magazine’s shoe closet. They each chose a pair of shoes to use as the basis for a new look. I went into the Becks doll closet and chose these shoes to inspire my design.

For my model, I selected Maia. I knew she’d look great in a plaid I’ve been saving for a long time from a Harumika kit.

However, unlike the PR designers who used red plaid, I didn’t want my design to evoke a holiday look. I wanted it to be a summer-into-fall outfit that could be worn to an afternoon business event.

The belt is from Mattel.

I hope you enjoyed this week’s look. See you next time on the runway!

Shoes a gift from Mark G. Harris. Fabric for skirt donated by Kathy S.

Previous designs this season:

Episode 12:6 Let’s Go Glamping!
Episode 12:5: YOU Choose Your Materials!
Episode 12:4: Tie the Knot
Episode 12:3: An Unconventional Coney Island
Episode 12:2: Million Dollar Runway
Episode 12:1: Sky’s The Limit

Apparently “glamping” (glamour + camping) is a thing now, and that’s what the designers did on the most recent episode of Lifetime’s Project Runway. After spending a day and night outside the city in nature–in fancy tents, with wine and food prepared for them, and marshmallow roasting added to adventures like zip-lining and a bit of mild whitewater rafting, they returned to Manhattan with ideas for their designs inspired by their time outdoors.

No one took me glamping, but I faintly recall days outside that weren’t soul-killingly hot and filled with mosquitos. What I remember loving best is the play of sunlight on water. I used those images to create a high-end look for Barcelona.

Barcelona wears an overdress of net, sequins, and ribbon over a green-glittered sheath.

Her cascading hair and the epaulette effect on the shoulders of her dress mimic water falling.

Her Mattel shoes pick up the green and gold colors of the fabrics.

Detail of the glittering overdress. This fabric really shimmers when it moves under lights.

A glistening water nymph.

I hope you enjoyed this week’s look. See you next time on the runway!

Previous designs this season:

Episode 12:5: YOU Choose Your Materials!
Episode 12:4: Tie the Knot
Episode 12:3: An Unconventional Coney Island
Episode 12:2: Million Dollar Runway
Episode 12:1: Sky’s The Limit

On the most recent episode of Lifetime’s Project Runway, the designers were asked to create a luxurious, high-end mini collection of three looks. If they chose, they could get their inspiration from the Lexus 2014 IS sedans they drove through the city to pick up their unconventional materials. These materials came from four disparate merchants, including a store that sold vintage wallpaper, a specialty food store, and a combination home goods and party store.

For my model, I chose Esperanza, because she’s Mattel’s Speed Racer Trixie Barbie. For my materials, I chose from beads and ribbons at a fabric store, waxed paper from a craft store, and a fabric remnant from a discount retailer.

Esperanza’s hat and blouse are made from waxed paper that reminded me of the checkered flag used in auto racing.

The embellishment on the hat, a red bead pinned inside a silver loop that resembles a gear, were evocative of the Lexus’s lights. The red circle is repeated on her earrings and on the button on the back of her belt.

Esperanza’s shoes, from Mattel, made me think of silver rims and tires.

Cutting the checkered fabric into circles, then using the polka dotted fabric for the slacks, indicates movement.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s design. See you next time on the runway!

Previous designs this season:

Episode 12:4: Tie the Knot
Episode 12:3: An Unconventional Coney Island
Episode 12:2: Million Dollar Runway
Episode 12:1: Sky’s The Limit